Each year there are Great Gifts that stand out from all the wonderful products I come across. I pick ones that appeal to all price and taste ranges. Here are my picks for Looky Here's annual Top Gifts of 2019 -- just in time for you to order or buy them!
For those who love red wine but not the sulfites and sediments the Ullo Wine Purifier insert purports to remove both. Place the purifier on top of a wine glass or carafe and pour. Claims an adjustable aerate option makes your favorite vintages smell and taste even better. Made of BPA-free plastic, silicone and rubber. Includes four filters and travel bag for $59 on AMAZON. Add extra filters (in their stocking), which comes in 10 packs.
We all know that coffee connoisseur... or maybe we ARE that person! In which case, this will be a gift to make them go through the roof. The Technivorm Moccamaster KB brews coffee at temps between 196 and 205 degrees (and I think you can choose which you prefer). You can adjust the heating element under the carafe as well. It also makes the coffee fast, which is key for some! ON SALE for $247 at Crate and Barrel TIP: Save an additional 10% when you give them your email.
This duffle-style bag is made of pliable matte neoprene, which will look new after years of use. The outside has handles and a detachable, adjustable body strap, a pocket for your phone and a slip to put over the handle of a rolling travel bag. The ends snap open to expand the size. It has a sturdy double zipper that secures what's inside - open pockets for water bottles, a laptop or tablet and a zip for valuables, a small free floating zippered bag plus a shoe bag! This can be a day to day carry-all for travel. Several colors. The Dagne Dover Duffle Med size for $155, Large for $185, and XL for $215. The site has all kinds of USEFUL bags, so click around!
Go Pro makes the list again with their new 360 panoramic video water proof camera. Uses duel lenses to produce video and has ambisonic spatial audio from a 6-mic array, in addition to functioning the same as you'd get with the Hero8 Black. And of course, it has a selfie-screen. They can Vlog to their hearts content with shotgun-mic performance and a front-facing screen. $499 at Best Buy or B&H Camera. TIP: Wondering if you need this, or a different model? Click to READ THIS before you buy. It's an excellent and clear overview of their models, some of which cost $200-300.
Greentree Homes makes these substantial, special, high quality square tapers. Each are made of 100% pure beeswax, hand poured and finished individually, in NY State. A great, neutral yet rich gift that works for everyone whether a minimalist, sophisticate, naturalist, modernist. And perfect for a special client or boss. They burn slowly and bright, and reek of class. Set of two in a gift box: 12" tapers in colors for $24, or 16" tapers in 13 colors for $35.00.
In Case Device Covers come in delicious colors. Made of polycarbonate, they're protective but not rigid. Their 15" MackBook Pro laptop cover is $49 - the only downside is that they do not seem to make them for PC's.
Click around the site, as they have cases for 16", 13" and Airs, plus for GoPros, Drones, DSLR's, Sony Action Cams, and all apple products. They also make back packs and rolling cases... but this post is about this unique and Top Gift-worthy laptop case!
USA Pan bake and cookware is superior in every way. It is solid, lasts forever, and they make a gift that serves many uses for a lifetime. See the entire collection HERE, and check out the Allergy ID group HERE. In this age of allergies, they have come up with a line of plum colored coating so you can distinguish what you're using and be able to avoid cross contamination. A godsend for many!
The Echo Show 5. I love the miracle of technology, but am wary of promoting something that moves us further into in the age of Big Brother. I do not have Alexa or a like device but many do. This is a gadget that does it all. A neat little screen that works with Alexa for everything from your calendar, movies, traffic and weather, to your to do lists, Movies, radio and Audio books. You can make the screen a clock or a photo slideshow. TIP: This would be a great gift to give for two households- so you can do voice or video calls with others who have it - great to keep in closer touch with grandkids or aging parents who may not have command of a cell phone. $59 each!
Vosges Chocolates have beautiful packaging and offer too many interesting choices to pick just one. I found them in an airport and bought several of their chocolate and cheese bars. There are about 6 combinations, like Parmesan, Walnut and Fig, or Manchego and Cherry made of 67% Cacao --and several are sold out so check them out quickl (They do have the boxes of multiple bars available). There are also bestsellers like Caramel Marshmallow Chocolates, Bacon and Chocolate, champagne truffles and Wellness bars which have ingredients like turmeric and ginger or matcha tea.
While the world goes mad, we DO want to stay under the quilts longer because it makes us feel safe and warm... All kidding aside, the truth is, weighted blankets are growing in popularity, and the claim is that they have done studies to prove it reduces stress and anxiety and helps us sleep more deeply and peacefully. Watch the videos and read about it before choosing. The Gravity Blanket for $249. TIP: Get 25% off with the code HOLIDAY2019. Compare with another recommended weighted blanket by ODDESSY, HERE.
EVERYONE is drinking fizzy water, and not wanting to create more single use cans or plastic bottles. This is definitely a great gift - Make your own in BPA free reusable bottles. Have it plain, or add flavoring (whether or not you use their flavors - can't comment on those). The SodaStream come in 3 models - visit the SODASTREAM site to see each and their prices. Approx $89-114 TIP: USE CODE JOLLY20 to get 20% off.
Last but not least, with all the turmoil going on in the news and on the planet, stores are FILLED with products about relaxing, doing less, getting away from screen time, and minimizing. We're clearly stressed and overwhelmed in many ways. And meditation can help all of that, including our health. But it's hard to do for many. Not with this App -I'm COMPLETELY impressed. You can start with 10 mn. guided meditations, by a male or female voice, or meditate nightly as people tune in from all around the world. There are genius 2 mn videos that help you GET the idea of what you're doing.
You can pick specific things you want to gear toward - anxiety, work stress, better health - and the best part? There are tools for when you can't go to sleep (not just white noise but bedtime stories for grown ups). Or cue up their programs to help you drift back to sleep when inevitable you wake at 3 am and toss and turn. Get them a subscription: The HEADSPACE APP.
While we're talking about relaxation, I think these are great for grown ups as well as kids! Hey Clay Animals gives you not-the-average clay colors and the way to make funny animals that will be a ball to make together and have you all smiling every time you look at them after. At only $15 - get thee two!
The secret to a good life is to always continue to learn, and this might be great for the whole household. An all access subscription to MasterClasses - those ads we see on social media for the top people in their fields teaching what they know best - from cooking, to writing, to movie making, to acting to investments and beyond. Check it out and see what you think. TIP: Right now, give one and get one YOURSELF for free! $180 for unlimited access to ALL classes for a year! Talk about $$ well spent. The info could be life changing!
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